Red Shore crash trial continues

The accident scene near Cunningham's Bridge, on December 19, 2007.Coffs Coast Advocate

A PASSING motorist, a police crash investigator and a musician are giving evidence in the trial of a Geelong heavy metal band, whose road trip ended in tragedy.

Jamie Hope, a former bass player has pleaded not guilty to five dangerous driving charges causing death and injury in the Coffs Harbour District Court.

It's alleged he was behind the wheel of a rented minivan, carrying eight musicians from the band The Red Shore when it crashed on the Pacific Highway at Moonee at 7am on December 19, 2007. Two of Hope's fellow band members, lead singer Damien Morris and merchandiser Andy Milner, were killed in the accident.

Six other people escaped with head injuries when the van rolled several times slamming into a tree.

Today the trial enters its fourth day.

The Crown and Defence have delivered their arguments and cross examination of witnesses is set to continue.

The court has heard that police crash scene investigators found no evidence of brake marks at the scene of the accident. Throughout the trial, Hopes has had the support of friends and family in court.

His fate rests in the hands of a 12-member jury, which is expected to hand down its verdict tomorrow.